EXTINCTION!!! Memories of the Sunflower Sea Star

A new publication confirms the extirpation and possible extinction of the benthic ecosystem apex predator, the Sunflower Sea Star, Pycnopodia helianthoides, due the combined effects of abnormally warm sea water temperatures coupled with the effects of sea star wasting disease.

Sunflower sea stars declared critically endangered on West Coast - OPB

Sunflower sea star die-off could result in larger ecosystem level consequences - Faculty of Environment - Simon Fraser University

Colorful sea star stricken by disease vanishes from most of the West Coast - Anchorage Daily News

Let Us Introduce Our Newest Environmental Warrior: Patrick Star!

Pizza-sized endangered sunflower sea stars spawned at Birch Aquarium – NBC 7 San Diego

The eyes of Linckia laevigata help it stay home.

NOAA Fisheries Weighs Protection for Sunflower Sea Star Native to West Coast

Pycnopodia helianthoides

These Starfish Face Extinction. Scientists Are Helping Them Mate. - The New York Times

Pycnopodia helianthoides

Sunflower sea star - Wikipedia

Sea Stars

Sunflower sea star needs Endangered Species Act protection, U.S. says - The Washington Post

Birch Aquarium successfully spawns three critically endangered sunflower sea stars - The San Diego Union-Tribune

Sea Stars